Congo opposition parties unite behind presidential candidate

KINSHASA, Congo – Opposition parties in Congo say they are rallying behind one candidate in hopes it will improve his chances of winning next month’s presidential election.

The parties said on Sunday after talks in Geneva that their candidate will be Martin Fayulu Madidi, a 62-year-old politician who has been a member of parliament since 2011.

President Joseph Kabila is not seeking re-election. Kabila has been in power since 2001 and his mandate expired in late 2016. But he has remained in office while organizing elections now set for Dec. 23.

Congo’s ruling party has chosen Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary as its presidential candidate.

Longtime opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi died last year, leaving a political void. His son Felix was among those vying to lead Congo’s opposition in the upcoming presidential race.